Introduction
Many historians and musicians believe strongly that Lalo Guerrero is the father of Chicano Music. Guerrero became the first artist “to produce powerful Latino songs” (Herrera-Sobek 12). Guerrero songs “illuminated the experiences and expectations of many Latinos throughout the 20th century” (Castro 34). The artist was birth in 1916. Lalo’s mother encouraged him to focus on his talent. Most of Guerrero’s relatives and relatives also encouraged him to write more songs. Guerrero produced “many songs in both English and Spanish” (Castro 36). The artist also encouraged many Latino musicians throughout his career. This paper describes the achievements of Lalo Guerrero as an influential Chicano musician.
Lalo Guerrero: the Father of Chicano Music
Many Latinos in America have acknowledged and praised Guerrero’s contributions to Chicano Music. Many scholars and historians “believe strongly that Lalo Guerrero is the father of Chicano Music” (Castro 12). According to Castro (18), “Guerrero is the only artist who has written and composed many songs in different Latino genres”.
Lalo’s “favorite genres included banda, nortena, salsa, cumbias, mambos, corridos, boleros, and rancheras” (Castro 35). The musician also “produced numerous parodies such as Pancho Claus, Elvis Perez, and Toscos for Two” (Castro 72). Most of Guerrero’s songs are popular in different parts of the world. Lalo’s “songs have also become the standard of Mexican music” (Castro 36).
A number of efforts and abilities made it easier for Lalo Guerrero to become an influential artist. For instance, Guerrero wrote and produced quality songs during his career. Many Chicanos in America “continued to support Guerrero’s songs” (Franco par. 4). Many non-Latinos in America also appreciated his songs. The artist “focused on the best lyrical contents in order to entertain his listeners” (Castro 47). Guerrero also “pioneered a new style called the corridos” (Castro 46). Guerrero’s “Pancho Lopez became a powerful hit in the country despite receiving negative feedbacks from many whites” (Castro 87).
The artist also shared most of his ideas and talents with every upcoming Latino artist. He also worked with other musicians in order to produce better styles. This fact explains why the musician influenced many Chicano artists. Guerrero “performed in different nations such as France, Mexico, the United States, and Latin America” (Franco par. 4). Lalo’s efforts and abilities made it easier for him to earn numerous awards. Guerrero’s nightclub encouraged more people to support his music. Guerrero’s orchestra also “performed frequently in his nightclub” (Franco par. 7).
According to Castro (53), “it is appropriate to give the name Chicano Music to the genre created by Lalo Guerrero”. The artist produced many Latino songs during his long career. Lalo’s talent also “redefined the history of Chicano Music” (Herrera-Sobek 63). Lalo Guerrero “produced many songs that supported the expectations and needs of many Chicanos” (Franco par. 8). This approach made it easier for Lalo to produce numerous songs in different Latino genres.
Conclusion
Guerrero’s abilities and contributions made him an influential Chicano musician. Many historians have honored the artist because of his efforts and achievements. Lalo produced a new genre that has remained relevant in every Chicano community (Concert Footage: Los Lobos 2013 at the Egg in Albany New York). Guerrero is therefore a respectable artist because he managed to become father of Chicano Music. This fact explains why his songs are popular in every part of the world.
Works Cited
Castro, Rafaela. Chicano Folklore: A Guide to the Folktales, Traditions, Rituals and Religious Practices. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. Print.
Herrera-Sobek, Maria. Celebrating Latino Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Cultural Traditions. New York: ABC-CLIO Press, 2012. Print.
Franco, Jimmy. Lalo Guerrero: The King of Chicano Music. 2012. Web.